The Temple House Vanishing
by Rachel Donohue
A Great Escape (4/16/2021)
This book tells a good story, and during most of the book I did not want to put it down. The ending is believable. However the book does drag at the end. Perhaps a bit more editing might have been useful.
This is a coming-of-age story and the characters and relationships are well done. The setting is atmospheric, taking place in a Catholic girls' boarding school in Ireland in the 1990s. The story presents a mystery that needs to be solved. I was looking for escapist literature and this book delivers!
And They Called It Camelot: A Novel of Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis
by Stephanie Marie Thornton
Historical Fiction or Romance Literature? (12/28/2019)
As our author reminds us in her notes, this book is a work of fiction, not history. I found it mostly enjoyable, especially the last half of the book. The first half focused too much on Jackie's relationship with the men in her life, and the book was presented like Romance Fiction. The flowery dialogue was distracting.
Nevertheless, I learned many impressive facts about Jacqueline and learned to appreciate how capable she was in many roles, specifically her roles in historical preservation and foreign diplomacy. She also was obviously a devoted mother.
I was a high school student living in Dallas when President Kennedy was assassinated. I have been a life-long student of the Kennedy Family as a result. Reading this book has changed my perception of Jacqueline Kennedy.
The Big Finish
by Brooke Fossey
What is a family? (10/23/2019)
I loved reading The Big Finish. It is skillfully written and edited. The story moves quickly and is filled with humor and a moderate amount of suspense. However, the characters are beautifully developed and the story presents an unexpected amount of approachable information about alcoholism.
The story is set in an independent living center, but it is really about a non-traditional family. It does include the issues of aging and even death, but has wide appeal for most ages. Delightful read!
The Last Collection: A Novel of Elsa Schiaparelli and Coco Chanel
by Jeanne Mackin
Paris Goes to war (3/11/2019)
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this beautifully written book of historical fiction. Paris, immediately before the German invasion becomes one of the characters. Color and art and fashion are principle themes. The story is interesting and entertaining. The book deals with war and loss without describing battles and battlefields. It presents a new perspective on a much discussed time in history.
The Kennedy Debutante
by Kerri Maher
Outstanding Historical Fiction (7/8/2018)
I have enjoyed reading about the Kennedy family for years, and I love well-written historical fiction. Kerri Maher has written an excellent book. She has managed to accurately capture a complicated period of history, bring the Kennedy family to life, and introduce us to a marvelously interesting character. Sometimes fictionalized history does not seem realistic, but this book Is fabulous! I highly recommend it.
The Imperial Wife
by Irina Reyn
The Imperial Wife (6/24/2016)
This is an interesting, well-written book that might be a good choice for a book club because it presents many possibilities for discussion. Also there does not seem to be a unanimous opinion about the book.
There are two stories in the book, one Russian historical and one American contemporary,
The historical story about Catherine is much stronger than the contemporary story. Both stories lack depth.
Only the female lead is developed in either story and the author is trying to compare the two characters. This ambitious task does not quite work, unfortunately. As a result the ending is disappointing.
I'll See You in Paris
by Michelle Gable
Enjoyable, satisfying book (1/18/2016)
I loved reading this book! The author's writing style is outstanding....both literary and approachable. The characters are well developed and likable and the story is interesting and complex. Set mostly in both 1972 and 2001, the story is historical and contemporary.
It involves wars, romance, and love: between mother and daughter, elderly and young. Love of literature and art also play a role as well as love for the city of Paris.
I highly recommend this book!
Descent
by Tim Johnston
Difficult read (11/5/2014)
The last half of the book is great! I had some difficulties with the first half. I usually enjoy reading stories told from the perspectives of different characters, but this book was a bit choppy.
Although the focus of the story is the daughter, the story is told by the men...and they all smoke! Consequently, I did not relate to the characters.
I think the author writes very well...he puts words together beautifully. It is a good story but I did find it dark. I would not recommend this book to my reading friends.
The Sisterhood
by Helen Bryan
Great story (5/12/2013)
At the heart of Helen Bryan's novel, The Sisterhood, is a great story. It held my attention on several levels: historical information, women's issues, the Catholic Church. However,the author could not seem to decide if she was writing a work of historical fiction or a romance novel! The vehicle in which she presents her interesting story is weak.
The author is ambitious and tries to present too much information rather than giving more depth to her history.
The book held my attention from beginning to end, and I easily forgave obvious flaws in the writing style.
The Bloodletter's Daughter: A Novel of Old Bohemia
by Linda Lafferty
Interesting but mediocre read (9/24/2012)
I would categorize this book as historical fiction/folklore set in 1600 Bohemia. I did enjoy the story, especially the details about early medicine and science. The writing was bland and immature at times but the story and characters held my attention.The book is simply not very exciting!
I like the idea of it being based on a true story/myth, and I liked the ending although it was not a surprise. The author does provide a glimpse into religion and politics of the time.
A Simple Murder
by Eleanor Kuhns
A Simple Murder by Eleanor Kuhns (4/11/2012)
I was disappointed with this book for several reasons. First, the writing style is boring.
The book is written at a low reading level, appropriate for young readers, but the material is more suitable for adults.
I enjoy historical fiction, but I discovered little history in this book. The story was
interesting and the Shaker community was reasonably represented.
I honestly do not recommend this book for young adults or the mature reader.
In Search of the Rose Notes: A Novel
by Emily Arsenault
Disappointed (6/5/2011)
I think this book might best be appreciated by a Young Adult/High School audience. The juxtaposition of adult (present day) and young teen (childhood memories) perspectives did not work well for me. The story also will probably appeal to a young audience. Adult readers looking for a literary mystery filled with suspense and well-developed characters will be disappointed.
Serena: A Novel
by Ron Rash
Serena - A Fabulous Read (9/16/2009)
This book has all the elements that I enjoy in a work of fiction. It is a unique, colorful, story that is believably set in the mountains surrounding Ashville, North Carolina during the Great Depression. It is filled with interesting, well-developed characters and page-turning suspense.
The ending is brilliantly executed.
I heartily recommend this book for book clubs and lovers of well-written, literary historical fiction.
A Case of Exploding Mangoes
by Mohammed Hanif
Timely Political Satire (5/12/2008)
I really enjoyed this book. The dark humor is laugh-out-loud funny at times even though the story is about a political assination in Pakistan.
The book is a brilliant satire filled with irony.
With the world currently focused on Afghanistan and Pakistan and the political drama playing out in that area of the world, this presents a comic picture of how things might be accomplished in an authoritarian dictatorship.
Interestingly, the most sympathetic character in the book is the assassinated dictator who is at the center of several assassination plots that come together in the final act.
This is an interesting read that will appeal to anyone interested in both political topics and literary satire.
Gomorrah: A Personal Journey into the Violent International Empire of Naples' Organized Crime System
by Roberto Saviano, translated by Virginia Jewiss
Limited Audience (10/14/2007)
This book contains some very shocking and important facts. Unfortunately, because it is so poorly written, edited, and translated, it will have little appeal in the United States.
This book will be interesting to people who travel in Italy, value the Made In Italy brands, are disturbed about human rights issues, or have concern for our global environment particularly regarding toxic waste. This book is very difficult to read because of both the structure and the content.
 (1).gif)
